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. 2012 Dec;16 Suppl 2(0 2):203-12.
doi: 10.1007/s10995-012-1096-6.

Social-emotional support, life satisfaction, and mental health on reproductive age women's health utilization, US, 2009

Michelle N Willet  1 , Donald K Hayes, Rebecca L Zaha, Loretta J Fuddy
Affiliations

Social-emotional support, life satisfaction, and mental health on reproductive age women's health utilization, US, 2009

Michelle N Willet et al. Matern Child Health J. 2012 Dec.

Abstract

To examine the associations among social-emotional support, life satisfaction, and mental health with not having a routine checkup among women of reproductive age in the US, data from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a population-based telephone survey of health behaviors, were analyzed among reproductive aged (18-44 years) women in the US. Prevalence estimates were calculated for not having a routine checkup in the past year with measures of social-emotional support, life satisfaction, and mental distress. Independent multivariable logistic regressions for each measure assessed not having a routine checkup within the past year with adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, education level, and health care coverage. Among women of reproductive age, 33.7 % (95 % CI 33.0-34.4) did not have a routine checkup within the past year. Factors associated with not having a routine checkup included: having social-emotional support most of the time (AOR = 1.29, 95 % CI 1.20-1.38) or sometimes or less (AOR = 1.47, 95 % CI 1.34-1.61) compared to those who reported always having the social-emotional support they need; reporting life satisfaction as being satisfied (AOR = 1.27, 95 % CI 1.19-1.36) or dissatisfied (AOR = 1.65, 95 % CI 1.43-1.91) compared to being very satisfied; and frequent mental distress (AOR = 1.19, 95 % CI 1.09-1.30) compared to those without. Women who report lower levels of social-emotional support, less life satisfaction, and frequent mental distress are less likely to see a doctor for a routine checkup. Targeted outreach that provides appropriate support are needed so these women can access clinical services to increase exposure to preventive health opportunities and improve overall health.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Distribution of socio-emotional support, life satisfaction, and frequent mental distress among women of reproductive age, US 2009
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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